Issue 1: Tricks to help your back and neck from those long desk days!

If you’re one of the thousands of people now working from home, putting in the hours and keep getting back and neck pain then don’t worry. We’re here to help…

You might be thinking to yourself – I’ve been working at a desk for years, why are my back and neck suddenly causing me pain?

COVID-19 affected a lot of us as we made the office to home working transition, ditching the desks and adjustable chairs for dining room tables. Think about it – in your office space, you most likely had a good quality desk and chair set up designed for those long days so your neck wouldn’t strain. Whereas now, you’re probably sitting at an awkward angle looking towards the floor at your laptop or a little too high so your neck is slightly extended. Are we right?

If so, here are three tips that might make a huge difference to your working life…

TIP 1: Have a look at your office set-up.

• Although it’s an obvious one, think about the height of your laptop/desktop in relation to your eyeline. In an ideal world, you want to be looking directly forward at your screen to keep your neck as neutral as possible. If you don’t have a laptop stand then you could add a wedge underneath (like a book or a small box) and seehow that feels.

• Adjusting your chair. If you’ve already made the laptop alternation, then try adjusting your chair if it allows. Ideally, you’d want your knees to be at a 900 angle to your hips. If your chair isn’t height adjustable, then try adding a small wedge either under the legs or on it (even if it’s a cushion). Just make sure that it’s comfortable.

TIP 2: Get a someone to take a photo of you at your desk side-ways on.

• Ask a friend to take a photo of you or try and set up your phone on a tripod and use the a self-timer. This will allow you to see how you’re sitting and where is appropriate to adjust.

TIP 3: If you have the space and the budget, try a standing desk.

• The great thing about these is that you can not only adjust the height of the desk so you can still use a chair. Or you could ditch the chair and free-stand all day.